Cock-A-Mo (American Eskimo & Cocker Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

The Cock-Mo or Cock-A-Mo is a hybrid between the American Cocker Spaniel and the American Eskimo Dog. He brings the gentle nature of the former with the intelligence and trainability of the latter. The combination is a winner. The Cocker is the larger of the two parent breeds, which accounts for the broad height and weight ranges for this pup.

This pooch has a lot of the desirable qualities you may want in a pet. He’s a sweet dog that will lavish attention on his family. While the American Eskimo brings out the watchdog in him, the Cocker Spaniel welcomes visitors to the home. Both parent breeds are relatively old, with histories going back hundreds of years. Each has been a work in progress from their early ancestor, evolving into companion animals.

The Cocker Spaniel brings a hunting background to the mix. There are both American and English variants that the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes as separate breeds. The American Eskimo was a jack-of-all-trades farm dog. He protected the livestock and kept the herds together. Both dogs have a long history of human companionship.

Cock-a-Mo Puppies

Many of the traits of the Cock-a-Mo depend on which parent breed is dominant. However, the two share several desirable characteristics. Both are loving pets that bring this affectionate nature to the forefront. The history of the two has fostered a degree of tolerance for the outdoors, especially the American Eskimo well-adapted to the cold.

The Cocker Spaniel in the hybrid has a strong prey drive and high wanderlust potential as a result. He also can be nippy when young. It’s a habit that you must tame early in the pup’s life. The American Eskimo, on the other hand, is sometimes a barker that you must control. Both pups are sensitive to stern reprimands. They also don’t like being alone and may develop separation anxiety.

Grooming maintenance depends on the dominant breed. Both will shed, but the Cocker Spaniel may require professional grooming to keep him looking his best. It’s a valid point because it can add considerably to your annual expenses and the routine care you must do. The Cock-Mo is an intelligent dog that is easy to train and eager to learn.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cock-a-Mo

1. The American Eskimo dog has its origins across the pond.

The fact that the American Eskimo has a different name isn’t that unusual among the various breeds. This one couldn’t be further from the truth about this pup’s origins. The dog got his start in Germany and not America, where it went by the moniker, German Spitz. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed as such in 1913. The organization changed it to the American Eskimo in 1917 after World War I.

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2. The circus life took the American Eskimo dog to high places.

Gypsies in the breed’s native land adopted this intelligent pooch when he proved himself to be an excellent watchdog. It wasn’t long before he joined the circus and performed many tricks, including walking the tightrope—allegedly.

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3. The Cocker Spaniel gets his name from the upland game bird he hunted.

The Cocker Spaniel began life as a hunting dog. Selective breeding refined his skills so that he became an ace at flushing the elusive American woodcock.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cock-a-Mo 🧠

Both parent breeds bring a lot of desirable things to the table. That fact alone makes this pup worth a look for a family pet. As we touched on earlier, yippiness and barking are two unwanted behaviors that you must rein in with the Cock-a-Mo. It’s essential to understand that every dog has his issues. A lot of the outcomes depend on the owner’s actions to curb the worst of them.

The sooner you control them, the better.

Owning a dog isn’t too different from raising a toddler. He will get into things he shouldn’t. He’ll misbehave and tax your patience. The advantage of the Cock-a-Mo is that he is an agreeable dog. He is easygoing and eager to please. That will make training and discipline easier for you. He is also playful, which can help you make learning a fun activity.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Cock-Mo is an excellent choice for families. He’s a sweetheart all around. He’s kid-friendly and will welcome visitors to your home, depending on how much American Eskimo exists in his temperament. He is playful with enough energy to keep up with the kids without making things too intense. As long as you control his nippy behavior, he’ll make a delightful family pet.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The background of both parent breeds put the Cock-Mo in regular contact with other canines. However, even though the instinct exists, early socialization is imperative to encourage this behavior.  The Cocker Spaniel, on the other hand, is a hunter at heart. That spells trouble for the family cat and other small animals. Other pets will fare best if they are raised with this pup to establish the ground rules.

Things to Know When Owning a Cock-a-Mo

Now, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of owning a Cock-Mo. We will look at both the everyday things and the quirks so that you have a better idea of what to expect. Getting a hybrid isn’t as clear cut as a purebred. A lot depends on which breed is dominant, especially when dealing with such different breeds. His upbringing is also a vital influence that can help you mold his canine manners.

The good news is that the Cock-Mo is easygoing with few significant health issues. He’s gentle, which makes him a good choice if you have children. This pup is also a happy dog. It’s so easy to fall in love with him. There are a few things to know about upfront that involve diet, grooming, and the pup’s overall health. Most are manageable, which almost makes them non-issues.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Cock-Mo is a medium-sized dog and, thus, needs a diet meant for a pup of his size and life stage. The labels on different foods make your choice easier. The nutrient content is clear. The most important thing to know is whether a product is complete and balanced. That is the gold standard. The phrase means that the food meets—and more often than not—or exceeds the minimum amounts.

These products also contain the nutrients in the correct proportions to optimize their value to your dog. There is, after all, a difference between foods formulated for puppies versus adults and small breeds over larger ones. The reasons are valid, too. The Cock-Mo toes the line between small and medium, depending on the dominant breed.

Exercise 🐕

The Cock-Mo is a relatively active dog, which is a good thing, given his propensity for weight gain. It can help mitigate the effects of too many treats. This pup is also playful, making him eager for a game of catch. They are also vital ways to bond with your pet, which is essential even with a pup that makes it so easy.

Training 🦮

The Cock-Mo comes to the bat with several welcome traits that make training more manageable. He is intelligent and can pick up new tricks quickly. He also wants to please you. He will learn what that means. Of course, treats are another powerful motivator, too.  Keeping them to training aids is an excellent approach for training and weight control.

Grooming ✂️

The amount of grooming maintenance is another trait that depends on the dominant parent breed. Both shed, although the American Eskimo is a seasonal shedder. The Cocker Spaniel often needs professional grooming to make him look his best and keep the mats under control. You should also check his ears regularly to make sure they are clean and disease-free.

Regular bruising is also a smart idea to keep track of the condition of your pup’s coat. Check his toenails, too, and trim them as necessary. We’d also suggest trimming the fur on his ears. They are long and sometimes get stained if they get into your pup’s water or food bowls.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Most of the health issues that a Cock-Mo may have are skeletal in nature. They are certainly not limited to the parent breeds, either. Early health screenings can catch them before they become an issue. Reputable sellers won’t breed dogs that have them to prevent passing on these undesirable traits. It’s another reason to avoid buying from so-called puppy mills that may not take these precautions.

Male vs Female

The great thing about the Cock-Mo is that you will luck out whether you choose a male or female. Either sex will make an excellent pet with all the desirable traits that define this hybrid. We suggest spaying or neutering your pet. You should discuss this decision with your veterinarian, considering the health implications with either choice.

Final Thoughts

The Cock-a-Mo might not be the first match-up you think of when talking about hybrids. However, it works because of the compatible energy levels, personalities, and intelligence of the parent breeds. Docile and playful are the ideal ways to describe this pup. His smaller size and cute looks are icing on the cake. If you want a smaller dog with lots to give, look no further than the Cock-a-Mo.

• Enjoyed this adorable mixed breed? Learn about all Cocker Spaniel Mixes here!

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Featured Image Credit: Sandra Velez-Lopez, Shutterstock